Gifted & Talented Program

Learners who show high performance or strong potential in one or more of Idaho’s five talent areas:

Specific Academic: Advanced performance in reading, writing, or math

Intellectual/Reasoning: Exceptional problem-solving or abstract thinking

Creativity: Original ideas, design, or artistic innovation

Leadership: Motivation, influence, or initiative among peers

Visual/Performing Arts: Artistic or musical performance talent

Our identification system uses multiple opportunities, multiple measures, and local norms to ensure fair access for all learners.
 

Universal Screening: Conducted districtwide in grades K, 2, 5, and 8 using i-Ready, ISAT, IRI, and classroom performance data.

Referrals: Families, staff, or students may submit a referral anytime through a short online or paper form.

Multiple Measures: We may review achievement and aptitude data, portfolios, creative products, rating scales, and observations.

Local Norms: We look at how students perform compared to peers within Payette schools, not just national data. This helps identify advanced potential in underserved or rural populations.

Team Review: A building team examines the full body of evidence and communicates results in clear, family-friendly language.

Our program offers a tiered system of support to meet each learner’s needs through differentiation, enrichment, and acceleration.

K - 4

Learners receive instruction that matches their readiness in reading and math.

Weekly enrichment seminar (30 - 45 minutes) to build creative and critical thinking

Passion projects or independent studies with rubrics for guidance

Flexible math groups and subject acceleration when appropriate

5 - 8

Learners are placed in advanced or flexible groups for English Language Arts, math, and science.

Pre-assessments identify mastered content

Bi-weekly enrichment seminars with discussions, design challenges, and leadership projects

Early access to Algebra I, Geometry, or world language coursework when ready

9 - 12

Learners access advanced pathways aligned to strengths and postsecondary goals.

          Dual-credit, AP, and articulated CTE courses and capstones

Independent studies or mentorships in arts, research, or service leadership

Flexible scheduling for subject acceleration

Guidance on scholarships, competitions, and academic showcases

We coordinate Gifted and Talented with IEP/504/MTSS so strengths are developed and barriers addressed.

Each identified student has a brief plan that lists strengths, services, and annual goals. Progress is reviewed midyear and end-of-year, with adjustments made as needed.

Aug - Sep: Outreach; referral window opens; screening rosters set

Oct - Nov: Universal screening; evidence review; placements

Dec - Jan: Services adjust/launch; family updates

Feb - Mar: Midyear check-ins; seminar/enrichment cycles

Apr - May: Student showcases; annual program review

We value collaboration with families and keep communication clear and confidential.

Translations available on request

Family input welcomed throughout the year

Transfers reviewed quickly to maintain services

Annual program results shared publicly each spring

District Gifted and Talented Coordinator:

Marci Holcomb,  maholcomb@payetteschools.org

Building Gifted and Talented Leads:

· Payette Primary School: Mimi Rodriguez | mirodriguez@payetteschools.org

· McCain Middle School: Ariane Shumway | arshumway@payetteschools.org

· Payette High School: Hollie Fisher | hofisher@payetteschools.org

· Payette Academy: Lew House | lehouse@payetteschools.org